"It is granted as soon as asked," replied your uncle in his frank way, and he drew our guest in towards the blazing hearth, "Johnnie's" arm lovingly twining itself round his neck as they walked together. What a revolution was this! I stood by, in silent wonder, watching Laurie's brightening face, and glancing up curiously at the fair-haired stranger. As I observed his youthful appearance, more that of nineteen than of his real age, twenty-two; his delicate features, glowing with excitement; and his deep, blue eyes, with tears gathering on their long lashes, I no longer marvelled at the tenderness with which my husband had always spoken of him; my recent dislike quickly melted away, and kind feelings sprang up in its place. These feelings speedily took the practical shape of providing dry clothes, supper and bed for our guest, who seemed really distressed at giving me any trouble. He positively declined supper, saying, "he had dined late on the steamer." As for bed, why it was hardly worth while preparing that, for he must be up and away by daybreak. "He should go with a lighter heart now Laurie had forgiven him." "Go, and whither?" inquired your uncle who out or delicacy had restrained his eager longing to learn how the affairs of the house stood. "I hardly know," answered Mr Popham; "that's the point I want to discuss with you, Englefield. I think I must go to Scutari, as that rascal Orlando Jones appears to have crossed the Turkish frontier in that direction. I must, at any rate, track and secure those diamonds. I can never face Francis otherwise; you know they were entrusted to our care so specially." My husband had listened in speechless astonishment to these disclosures, and I saw him turn pale. Mr Popham saw it too. "Is it possible, my dear Laurence," he said, "that you had not heard of Jones's having absconded? Why, I wrote you five days ago a penitential letter, and a full, true, and particular account of the rascal's moonlight flitting; if, as it seems, you had never received my apology, I wonder you didn't shut your door in my face; but you _are_ the best fellow in the world." "Nonsense," was the blunt reply; "drink that glass of mulled wine, John, I insist upon it, and then come with me. I must know all, that we may see what's to be done, and do it at once." I saw little more of Laurie that evening; their voices might be heard through the thin wall in earnest talk. Then he went out into the town with a brow full of care and thought. He would not let young Popham go with him, but ordered him off to bed, observing. "We will start early if I can obtain to-night from the authorities a pass into the Turkish dominions. My Cattarese servant, a sharp fellow, will soon find us horses and a guide for the journey." "Then you are going with me? God bless you, Laurie," said John Popham, earnestly. "Of course I am," growled your uncle.